“We are comprised of 12 Subject Matter Experts (SME) who work to encourage, educate, and enforce Department of Defense and Occupational Safety and Health Association standards,” said Lt. Julian Krusely, the Nimitz Industrial Hygiene Officer. “We wear a green ball cap to promote a visible safety culture and the making of safe choices both on and off duty throughout the ship.”
Each safety SME oversees and surveys air and safety afloat programs, and leverages divisional safety petty officers and squadron safety representatives in order to teach and enforce safety standards to empower Sailors and Marines to make safe choices.
“Our team roves the ship looking for general hazards such as proper wear of personal protective equipment, electrical safety discrepancies, respirator protection, hearing protection, fall protection and fall hazards, hazardous material safety, and hazard identification,” said Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Anthony Pena, Nimitz’ Safety Department’s Leading Chief Petty Officer.
While underway, it is Safety’s job to provide a constant presence at every major evolution to be the extra set of eyes and to ensure the proper procedures are being carried out.
Although Nimitz Safety department assumes responsibility for training Sailors how to be safe, it is the responsibility of every Sailor, Marine, and civilian aboard to take accountability for safely carrying out procedures, maintenance and daily duties.
“Safety is everyone’s responsibility,” said Pena. “We want every Sailor and Marine to safely follow the correct procedures and maintenance requirements and have a questioning attitude when performing daily duties. If it doesn’t feel right or it looks unsafe, it’s most likely not. You can choose right. Choose SAFE!”